THE EDITOR, Sir:
RIGHT NOW, I am watching the Democratic convention and it has made me recall my days in Jamaica. When I left Jamaica, I had no choice because the PNP Government had broken the country's spirit and my affiliation with the Opposition made me a political target. It was through God's grace that a new day dawned when the JLP took over the reins of Government. Pearnel was known as the best performing Minister, even above the Prime Minister and much better than his opponent right now, Golding, who was rated low and sometimes among the worst performing Ministers.
Much has happened since then, most of which has led us on a downward path similar to the effect of the Manley Government, which covered the eyes of poor Jamaicans as they took us on a ride nearly going over the precipice. It is the Seaga-led Cabinet, including Charles and Golding, which worked as a team to rebuild this country. If they work together again they can do it once more.
My real concern, however, as it has been for a long time, is the role which our media plays in directing the thought process of our youth. Jamaicans are not readers and politics is not seriously debated in our country as it is in America, therefore people depend on the media even more to provide them with the clear truth. Unfortunately, this is not the present situation. I have read many articles which prove that those persons entrusted with disseminating proper information to our youth have handicapped the decision-making process by focusing on non-issues.
In America, there are websites, town conferences, TV and radio stations, all of which discuss real issues affecting the country. In Jamaica, the media still clings on to small issues which will not truly direct growth in any developing country. For example, there is this ridiculous notion that a man is to be disposed of once he is old. It was used to force out a great leader such as Edward Seaga and is now being used to throw the focus away from the strong ability of others such as Pearnel Charles to perform and unify this country as was done before.
I am, etc.,
J. CAMPBELL
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
